Whole Lotta Colada
The Bruery

Review: 2073
Name: Whole Lotta Colada
Brewery: The Brurey
Location: Placentia, CA
Style: Barrel-Aged Stout
ABV: 10.5%
Date: 03/28/2022
My affair with Whole Lotta Colada begins with a pour into a tulip glass at 52 degrees. The result is a creamy, foamy, two-fingered, dark tan head that dissipates quickly, leaving no lacing on the glass. The dark brown, nearly black, had an opacity of 34 on the color chart.  The clarity is opaque with some carbonation, a typical characteristic of this beer style.
As I anticipated a tropical burst of mango and coconut, the first whiff from the glass pleasantly surprised me. The imperial stout takes center stage with its robust chocolate, coffee, caramel, molasses, and dark roasted malt aromas. The barrel aging adds bourbon, oak, and a bit of char. But what truly sets this beer apart are the tropical aromas of coconut and juicy ripe mangos, along with hints of vanilla, floral notes, and earthiness.
The tropical aromas blend seamlessly with the imperial stout, which is impressive. The coconut is slightly grassy milk with a sweet, juicy, ripened mango. These flavors do not compete but meld together like best friends. The imperial stout has raisins, molasses, caramel, earthiness, vanilla, dark chocolate, and coffee. The barrel adds the much-needed bourbon, char, and oak depth with a smidge of orange.
The beer is impressive with its flavors; it makes for a rich and viscous mouthfeel, finished slightly dry. The viscosity shows how big the beer's body is and with a low carbonation. The richness of the beer makes it challenging to consume more than one in a sitting period. Adding mangos, coconut, and vanilla gives it a tropical vibe, something you would sip on a fantastic evening watching the sun fade behind the ocean.